‘Zero-error entrance tests’: Education Minister Pradhan seeks support from states for reforms – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Tuesday that the Center is introducing several reforms in the entrance examinations in the country in early January and appealed to state governments to extend their support for zero-error admissions tests. Pradhan said the Radhakrishnan panel has submitted its report outlining the reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and inter-state cooperation is essential to implement the recommendations.
“I have appealed to all education secretaries of the state government. A new series of entrance exams for the coming year starts in January. Based on last year’s experience, the government has introduced numerous reforms,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a national workshop on education. higher and technical education pursued by State Secretaries and Union Territories (UTs).
“The Radhakrishnan Commission has submitted its recommendations and to implement them, the cooperation of the states is essential. I have appealed to everyone in this matter, especially regarding entrance exams.
“It is the responsibility of both the Indian government and state governments to make exams, especially entrance exams, error-free. We will work together as a team to build trust among our country’s children,” the Education Minister added.
In the line of fire over alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam NEET and PhD admission NET, the Center had in June set up the panel headed by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of the exams by the NTA.
While NEET was under the scanner for several irregularities, including alleged leaks, UGC-NET was canceled as the ministry received signals that the integrity of the exam had been compromised. Both cases are being investigated by the CBI.
Two other exams – CSIR-UGC NET and NEET PG – were canceled at the last minute as a preventive step.
The panel also includes former AIIMS Delhi director Randeep Guleria, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Hyderabad, BJ Rao, Professor Emeritus at the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Madras K Ramamurthy, Co-Founder of People Strong and Board Member of Karmayogi Bharat Pankaj Bansal , IIT Delhi Dean of Student Affairs Aditya Mittal and MoE Joint Secretary Govind Jaiswal.
The committee was also tasked to examine the existing security protocols regarding the preparation of the paperwork and other processes for various investigations and to make recommendations to improve the robustness of the system.
“The report mainly focuses on strengthening the NTA. There are recommendations to make the selection process of examination centers flawless, addressing previous loopholes in the system. Recommendations have also been made on the type of exam to be conducted and the necessary do’s and don’ts. to ensure effectiveness,” Pradhan said.
The committee suggested a gradual transition to online testing, a hybrid model with digitally sent questionnaires and a multi-phase NEET-UG format to reduce student stress and improve assessment accuracy.
It also recommended streamlining subject options in CUET to emphasize general eligibility and core subjects, and increasing permanent staff at NTA to ensure consistent, safe examination processes.